For the exercises in this course we'll be using the Anaconda Python distribution. There are several different Python distributions available that include various Python tools and libraries, but Anaconda is easy to install, free and up to date. Feel free to install a copy on your personal computer to use Python wherever you please.
The Anaconda installation process on the laboratory computers will need to be done once for the course, but it is quite slow.
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If you don't still have the download, you can start by downloading Anaconda again. This is the 64-bit version based on Python 3.5.
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After the download completes, open a new Terminal window by clicking on the Dash Home icon at the top left corner of the screen, typing
terminalinto the search box, and clicking on the Terminal icon. -
You can now start the installation process
$ cd ~/Downloads $ bash Anaconda3-2.5.0-Linux-x86_64.sh
Note the $ symbol represents the command prompt in the Terminal window.
4. You will be first asked to agree to the license agreement. Press Enter to review the license. You can press space several times to get to the bottom of the agreement and then type in yes and press Enter.
5. Next, you are asked about the installation location. Simply press Enter to install in the default location.
6. Installation may take 30-45 minutes (!), so we can leave the installation running in the background. NOTE: You can safely ignore any error messages about not being able to create links.
7. Once the installation has completed, you will be asked a final question about the installation PATH. Type yes and press Enter.
If your Anaconda install fails, please type the following in your terminal window.
$ cd
$ rm -rf anaconda3You can then return to step 3 above and try to install again.